{"id":28849,"date":"2021-03-12T07:26:34","date_gmt":"2021-03-12T12:26:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/5.life\/?p=28849"},"modified":"2021-03-12T08:09:25","modified_gmt":"2021-03-12T13:09:25","slug":"kiss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/5.life\/blog\/2021\/03\/12\/kiss\/","title":{"rendered":"KISS"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.22&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;0|0px|0|0px|false|false&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.9.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.9.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.9.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato||||||||&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Keep It Simple to Send (OR Keep it Simple to Succeed)<\/p>\n<p>At it\u2019s core climbing is a pretty simple activity. <strong>Go up<\/strong>. Not much more to it than that. We humans tend to make things way too complicated.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_3,2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.8.0&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;15px|0px|0|0px|false|false&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.0.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/5.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Screen-Shot-2021-03-12-at-7.08.31-AM.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Alexis Roccos&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Alexis Roccos&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; align_tablet=&#8221;center&#8221; align_phone=&#8221;&#8221; align_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.9.0&#8243; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; max_height=&#8221;421px&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.8.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.9.0&#8243; text_font=&#8221;Lato||||||||&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Why do we choose to \u2018Go Up?\u2019<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Because it\u2019s there. (Quote attributed to George Mallory)<\/li>\n<li>Golf is too hard.<\/li>\n<li>I like hanging out with my friends. Certain parts of climbing are very social. Not only before and after but during climbing there can be much time socializing and problem solving together.<\/li>\n<li>It combines both physical and mental challenges. The physical is obvious but the mental is just as, if not more, important. Problem solving. Visualization. Setting and achieving goals. Risk management (i.e. maybe it is better to climb down this time.) Trust (both in yourself and in others)<\/li>\n<li>Climbing eliminates all distractions. Something about being on the wall (either bouldering or \u2018on rope\u2019) makes it really hard to think about anything except \u2018what is the next move.\u2019 Those short little moments are in many ways the best therapy. Too often we get in the weeds on something and distractions prevent us from figuring out what our next step is. Climbing teaches us to focus our attention on only one thing. If your mind wanders to \u2018did I reply to that email\u2019 or \u2018I forgot to lock my car\u2019 you will most likely not succeed in \u2018going up.\u2019<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.9.0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;|auto|0px|auto|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.0.5&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.9.0&#8243; text_font=&#8221;Lato||||||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>What does KISS have to do with climbing? When we keep climbing simple we allow ourselves to focus on what is important. \u2018Is my foot on this hold properly,\u2019 \u2018am I grabbing this hold in a way that allows me to reach the next one.\u2019 For me these little things are the most important parts of climbing. When I am truly able to focus on these things, I find myself climbing in a \u2018flow experience.\u2019 I get done and I don\u2019t remember exactly how I did parts of the climb because I have entered that magical place where even though I am exerting myself climbing feels effortless (mentally anyway.)<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;2_3,1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.9.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.9.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.9.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi<span> talks about \u2018flow experience\u2019 in his <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ted.com\/talks\/mihaly_csikszentmihalyi_flow_the_secret_to_happiness\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>TED talk from 2004<\/span><\/a><span>. He references the flow experience as a point where an activity (in this case climbing) is challenging enough and your skill level is high enough to match. It doesn\u2019t have to be a V7 or a 5.12, the key is that the required skill matches the difficulty or challenge of the activity. (See graphic) \u00a0If the activity is not challenging enough and your skill level is too high you get into apathy or boredom (you aren\u2019t likely to enter the flow state climbing a ladder). If the activity is too challenging and your skill level is not high enough you experience worry or anxiety. On the periphery of the flow state is either arousal (skill level is almost high enough for the challenge) or control (when the challenge is not quite high enough.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.9.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/5.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Screen-Shot-2021-03-12-at-7.20.11-AM.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Flow&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Flow&#8221; show_bottom_space=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.9.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;75%&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.9.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;6px||0px||false|false&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.9.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.9.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;]Another aspect of \u2018going up\u2019 involves the \u2018Four Stages Of Competence.\u2019 When you are learning to climb, the pinnacle (pun intended,) is \u2018unconscious competence.\u2019 Unconscious competence is \u2018The individual has had so much practice with a skill that it has become &#8220;second nature&#8221; and can be performed easily. As a result, the skill can be performed while executing another task. The individual may be able to teach it to others, depending upon how and when it was learned.\u2019<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Four_stages_of_competence\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Four_stages_of_competence<\/a><\/p>\n<p>(everyone is unconsciously competent in something, walking, driving a car, riding a bike etc) Think of an activity you can not only do, but one you can do while doing something else. Before you reach unconscious competence you are \u2018consciously competent.\u2019 You can do the skill but need to be focused on it (imagine an infant\/toddler learning to walk, they can do it but it takes every ounce of concentration to succeed.) If you have learned to belay (secure the rope) you might remember that at first you really had to concentrate on the steps (maybe P.B.U.S. pull, brake, under, slide or something similar) At some point if you have been doing it enough you will become unconsciously competent at belaying. Climbing movement can be viewed the same way. If you have been climbing long enough you will become unconsciously competent at climbing. You won\u2019t have to think about where to put your foot or how to grab a handhold. You will \u2018just do it.\u2019 An expert climber when climbing on an easy climb can let their mind wander to other things because they don\u2019t have to consciously think \u2018where should I put my foot\u2019 the foot just goes where it needs to go (similar to walking, you most likely don\u2019t have to think about where to put your foot when walking down the hall from your kitchen to your bedroom but if you are hiking on a trail with roots and rocks to trip on you might have to think about it for a bit.)<\/p>\n<p>Bouldering is a great way to teach yourself to \u2018enter the zone,\u2019 or achieve a \u2018flow state.\u2019<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">It is a short activity. The time you are actually \u2018on the wall\u2019 is short enough that your mind doesn\u2019t have time to wander to \u2018I need to finish my homework.\u2019<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">It requires intense focus. Once you start climbing at your limit (when the challenge and skill are aligned) if you don\u2019t execute the moves precisely you will fail.<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">It is goal oriented. The goal is simple, finish the problem. Everything else goes away.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>How can you incorporate or get better at KISS in your climbing.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Climb more. The more you climb the better you get at figuring out how to keep things simple. As you climb you will start to let go of things you don\u2019t need and\/or aren\u2019t helping you achieve your goal.<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Put the phone away (AKA unplug yourself) Watching cat videos in between climbs doesn\u2019t help. Also as much as I enjoy climbing, either in the gym or outside, something about being outside (especially when you have no cell service) is really exhilarating and freeing.<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Establish a routine. I am not talking about climbing every Tuesday @ 6 (but that could be part of it.) I mean a routine for when you climb. Tie or fasten your shoes the same way each time. If using ropes establish a mental checklist that you run through each time you start. It might sound silly but one of the things I always do before I start is make sure I am attached to the same rope as my belayer. Look at the rope going from you to the belayer. My process works for me but you need to make your own.<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Learn the \u2018why.\u2019 The more you know the better able you will be to let go of things that aren\u2019t important. When you understand why something is done the way it is you can often simplify parts of it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Much of what I am referring to is in regard to climbing relates to \u2018movement.\u2019 That aspect of \u2018going up\u2019 that involves your feet, hips, arms, shoulders, hands etc\u2026You can incorporate KISS in all aspects of climbing (or life in general) Keeping things simple and straightforward should be something we all strive for in many aspects of life, especially climbing. The more complicated you make things the more likely that<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Components of your system interact in ways you can\u2019t anticipate or troubleshoot<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">You\u2019re distracted from things that are truly important<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left: 60px;\"><span><\/span>It is harder<span>\u00a0 <\/span>for someone else (or you) to evaluate your process<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Keep It Simple to Send (OR Keep it Simple to Succeed) At it\u2019s core climbing is a pretty simple activity. Go up. Not much more to it than that. We humans tend to make things way too complicated.Why do we choose to \u2018Go Up?\u2019 Because it\u2019s there. (Quote attributed to George Mallory) Golf is too [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":55,"featured_media":26991,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"1080","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[50],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28849"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/55"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28849"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28849\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28864,"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28849\/revisions\/28864"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26991"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28849"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28849"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28849"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}